Starting in 1924 new sequels came out annually, sometimes at the rate of two a year. This was followed by Raggedy Andy Stories (1920), which introduced the character of Raggedy Ann’s brother. In 1918, the first book Raggedy Ann Stories, written and illustrated by Gruelle, came out. Frank Baum’s “Shaggy Man” character seems derived from former, and of course the comic strip Little Orphan Annie comes from the latter. Gruelle created it in 1915, getting the inspiration for the names from two poems by John Whitcomb Riley, a family friend: “The Raggedy Man” and “Little Orphant Annie”. Interestingly, the physical doll pre-dated other iterations of the Raggedy Ann character. In 1914, he illustrated a popular edition of Grimm’s Fairy Tales. By 1910 he had cracked the New York Herald, and that became his main platform. By 1906, other cities, especially ones in the midwest, carried his work as well. In the early years of the 20th century he began contributing cartoons to Indianapolis newspapers. Johnny’s older sister Prudence sang in vaudeville.

He was the son of Richard Gruelle, one of the five so-called Hoosier Group painters.

And its many screen adaptations in particular attract us to the subject today. For Gruelle was the father of what was once a perennial favorite Christmas present, the Raggedy Ann Doll. A brief biography of the author-artist by his grandson, Kim Gruelle, makes this edition especially valuable.There is something charmed about the fact that Johnny Gruelle (John Barton Gruelle, 1880-1938) was born of a Christmas Eve (in spite of his having a name that makes him sound like a spiritual kinsman of Ebenezer Scrooge). Johnny Gruelle's delicate illustrations are the perfect companions to the well-loved stories in this American classic, the only edition authorized by the Gruelle family. Raggedy Ann also goes up in a kite, teaches two new dolls to be tolerant, and shares the excitement of a baby brother for Marcella, among several other tales. When, in one adventure, Raggedy Ann has to have her stuffing replaced, she gets her famous 'I LOVE YOU' candy heart. She and the other dolls rescue Fido, the family dog, from the dogcatcher.

After learning a lesson from a naughty raid on the pantry, Raggedy Ann's adventures show her striving to be good - and succeeding. All the original stories are here, as Raggedy Ann comes to Marcella's nursery and quickly becomes the leader of the dolls. Now she returns to delight a new generation in this carefully produced reissue, which restores the book to its original appearance. Since Raggedy Ann first appeared in print in 1918, she has charmed millions of readers with her always warm and optimistic outlook and calm approach to difficulties.

Raggedy ann stories 1947